Incentives for gas virtually disappear from new bill (HB1035/SB937) while legislators commit to multi-layered approach to advancing clean energy 

ANNAPOLIS, MD – The Maryland General Assembly passed today a bill that will likely reduce the chance of new gas plant construction in the state and that will advance a host of clean energy priorities. Despite intense lobbying by industry polluters, the Next Generation Energy Act (HB 1035/SB937) includes first-in-the-nation data center reforms, an end to subsidies for trash incineration, and critical utility regulations that will lower bills and slow the unnecessary expansion of gas infrastructure. 

Maryland’s electricity use is expected to grow substantially in coming years. In-state generation can help insulate Maryland rate payers from price fluctuations caused by pricing markets run by the regional grid operator PJM. Specifically, the newly passed bill calls for transmission-connected and distribution-connected battery storage projects as originally outlined in Delegate Lorig Charkoudian and Senator Benjamin Brooks’ Abundant, Affordable Clean Energy Act (HB398/SB316).

The Next Generation Energy Act, sponsored by Senate President Bill Ferguson and House Speaker Adrienne Jones, has passed out of the legislature and is now making its way to the desk of Maryland Governor Wes Moore for his signature.

“We’re proud of state lawmakers for not allowing industry lobbyists to drag the ‘next generation’ of Maryland energy backwards to dirty, dangerous methane gas,” said Brittany Baker, Maryland Director of the Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund. “The bill that just passed is significantly improved from the version first introduced. During this session, legislators revealed the true causes of higher Maryland utility bills – including mismanagement from our regional grid operator, utilities overcharging ratepayers, and uncertainty about new investment in methane gas.”

The finalized Next Generation Energy Act gives new gas next to nothing while giving battery storage specific, time-bound financial support. This guarantees that battery storage will be the near-term focus as Maryland continues its path toward a clean energy future.

“We commend the Presiding Officers as well as the Chairs, Vice-Chairs, and members of the House Economic Matters Committee, and the Senate Education, Energy, and the Environment Committee for rising to the challenge of addressing Maryland’s energy needs this legislative session. We look forward to continuing our fight against any new gas plant projects in Maryland,” continued Brittany Baker. 

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Chesapeake Climate Action Network (CCAN) Action Fund is dedicated to driving change in public policies at the local, state, and national levels to address the climate crisis. Through voter education, lobbying, and participation in the electoral process, we seek to advance our country’s leadership in the global movement toward clean energy solutions, focusing our efforts primarily in Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. We know that a vibrant democracy is central to our success, so we work to defend democratic integrity wherever we can.